US Defense Secretary Hegseth Survives Impeachment Vote in House
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth narrowly avoided impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives, with a preliminary vote rejecting the measure 211-204. The challenge came from fellow Republican Thomas Massie, who accused Hegseth of serious crimes in military operations. Massie, the sole Republican supporting the effort, filed eight charges against Hegseth regarding operations in Yemen, Venezuela, Iran, and strikes on drug boats. President Donald Trump backed Hegseth despite rumors he might fire him after the midterm elections, praising him on Truth Social. Hegseth defended himself at a press conference, calling the initiative sabotage and a farce. The Senate remains critical, and a new Democrat-controlled Congress convenes January 3, 2027, potentially enabling another attempt, though conviction requires a two-thirds Senate majority.